TLDR
- Trevor Wittman says UFC 324 is Justin Gaethje’s final title push if he loses to Paddy Pimblett
- Gaethje, 37, has absorbed tremendous damage over 31 professional fights spanning 15 years
- The team will not pursue gatekeeper or money fights if Gaethje fails to win the interim title
- If Gaethje wins, his goal is to capture the undisputed title and defend it multiple times
- Michael Chandler predicts Gaethje will win but warns fans are underestimating Pimblett
Sources: Bloody Elbow | MiddleEasy | LowKick MMA
Justin Gaethje’s longtime coach Trevor Wittman has revealed that the UFC 324 interim title fight against Paddy Pimblett on January 24 represents the veteran fighter’s final attempt at championship gold. Wittman told ESPN MMA that if Gaethje loses, the team will not continue chasing titles or accept “gatekeeper” fights for money.
“This is our last run,” Wittman said. “If we don’t win this fight, we’re not going on. We’re not going to go out there and be a gatekeeper and look at money fights and shit like that.”
Gaethje, 37, will face Pimblett at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for an interim lightweight championship. The winner is expected to face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria in a unification bout later in 2026.
Topuria announced an indefinite break from competition to handle personal matters, which prompted UFC officials to create the interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett.
Coach: UFC 324 title fight ‘our last run’ if Justin Gaethje loses https://t.co/7x8SkHRIlA
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 9, 2026
Career Damage and Family Considerations
Wittman explained that Gaethje has absorbed tremendous damage throughout his 15-year professional career, which includes 31 fights since 2011. The coach emphasized that health and family considerations are driving the decision to make this a final title push.
“He understands and he’s the one that I can have conversations with,” Wittman said. “Justin’s very smart when it comes to how his family feels about fighting. He’s also very smart when it comes to longevity.”
Gaethje has compiled one of the most exciting resumes in UFC history, earning nine Fight of the Night bonuses. His all-action style has made him a fan favorite but has also resulted in significant physical toll.
The Arizona native has won three of his past four fights. He bounced back from a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway by defeating Rafael Fiziev via decision in his most recent appearance.
Not a Retirement Fight
Wittman stressed that the team is not treating UFC 324 as a retirement bout. He wants Gaethje fully committed to winning rather than having one foot out the door.
“This is not a retirement fight,” Wittman said. “When it comes to retirement fights, I think anybody going out on a retirement fight is going to win one out of 10 times, because you’re already letting go. He’s not letting go.”
If Gaethje wins the interim title, Wittman indicated the fighter would continue competing. His goal would be to win the undisputed championship and then defend it multiple times before retiring.
“We win this belt, my shoot-to-the-moon type of goal would be let’s go out there and repeat defenses,” Wittman said. “We’d have to go win that belt next.”
Former Bellator champion Michael Chandler shared his prediction for the fight in a recent ESPN MMA interview. He called Gaethje “the better fighter all around” but warned that fans underestimate Pimblett.
“More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje,” Chandler said. “But people don’t give Paddy a lot of credit. He’s better than a lot of people think.”
Pimblett defeated Chandler by third-round knockout at UFC 314 in Miami in April 2025. The Liverpool fighter told Sky Sports earlier this month that he plans to stand and trade with Gaethje rather than wrestle.
“I’ve never had a war in all my years of fighting, so I’m looking forward to one,” Pimblett said. “People think I’m just going to shoot right away. I’m not. I’m going to stand with him.”
Gaethje previously held interim lightweight gold and has competed for UFC championships on multiple occasions throughout his career. UFC 324 takes place on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
